Pig farms in hot and humid conditions

摘要

Maximum profit is the desired objective of any business firm including pig farms. Higher investment in land, buildings and equipment and persistently high feed costs combined with lower market hog prices are forcing Thai producers to be more competitive and cost conscientious. Maximum number of pigs sold per sow per year along with minimum cost of gain in finishing pigs is an understandable target Thai producers are striving for. Although sow fertility and pig's growth performance are influenced by several factors, only a few are key successes of pig farms in hot, humid conditions. Prevention of heat stress particularly in gestating sows and attempts to maximise feed intake in lac-tating sows and growing pigs deserve special attention. Performance figures and procedures to provide cure will be discussed.